There are fights, and quarrels and difficulties and issues that will threaten to break up the relationship.

There is cheating, and the fear that there is a side babe or side guy somewhere, there are all sorts of things to deal with in relationships, really.

I’m not trying to be a wet blanket here. Love is a beautiful thing and those rainy night cuddles, forehead kisses and occasional candle-lit dinners you crave are pretty admirable.

play Don't pursue candle lit dinners and other good relationship things, Focus on getting better. (Pinterest)

But that’s just one side of the relationship coin, and I'm afraid you're not permitted to take only that easy, beautiful side.

You have to take the not-so-easy part, too. That’s the part that has 100% commitment, dedication and loyalty, faithfulness and all those things that require effort, because best believe, you will need to be intentional with them as they don’t come naturally or easily.

Relationships are more than all these things, and the reason why many people can’t get into great relationships or stay in one is because they don’t realize these truths.

Many just want it for the sex, for the appearance, for the title, money and other wrong reasons.

When you actually realize that being in a relationship is more than these things, you’ll stop stressing yourself about getting into one, and pay attention to actually becoming ready for it.__________________

The gathering referred to in this article is the recent "Mind The Gap X" event by Mr. Lanre Olusola aka The Catalyst, held on July 15, 2017, at The Army Officers Mess, 1 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island, Lagos.